Ballymena trio en route to ‘Worldskills’ finals

THREE young Ballymena men are among a team of seven from Northern Ireland representing the UK at WorldSkills London 2011.

All students at Northern Regional College, the trio are Chris Downey, whose skill area is mechatronics; Mark Maginty, whose forte is also mechatronics; and, David Nicholl whose skill area is CNC Milling and who is employed by Schlumberger.

The ‘Magnificent Seven’ will take part in four days of intense competition against 1000 of the world’s most highly skilled young people from 50 nations at the largest international vocational skills competition, WorldSkills London 2011, which takes place at London’s ExCeL Centre from October 5-8.

And last week, Employment and Learning Minister Doctor Stephen Farry wished them ‘bon voyage and bon chance’ as they headed off.

Dr Farry, who will be supporting the apprentices’ efforts in London, said: “Northern Ireland’s strong representation on Team UK is testament to the high standards of technical and professional training in our Colleges, and the commitment to excellence shown by our young people.

“The talents which they will display at WorldSkills will not only bring the prospect of individual and team success in this prestigious competition, but also demonstrate to the world that Northern Ireland’s workforce has the high level of skills required to compete in the global economy and meet the economic challenges which lie ahead.”

The apprentices are part of the 43 strong Team UK which will compete in 37 skill areas in front of around 150,000 visitors to the event.

Northern Ireland, with its seven competitors in the skills of bricklaying, wall and floor tiling, refrigeration and air conditioning, landscape gardening, CNC milling, and mechatronics which is a two person competition, has the highest number of Team members of all the UK regions.

The Minister continued: “To be selected for Team UK is an amazing achievement and I wish each team member success in the competition, and look forward to cheering them on against the best in the world in London. I hope they will enjoy this once in a lifetime opportunity and I am sure that they will do Northern Ireland proud.”

WorldSkills London will be bookended by opening and closing ceremonies in the 02 Arena.

In addition to watching the competitors in action, visitors to the event will have the opportunity to ‘have a go’ at a range of skills from bricklaying and stonemasonry to beauty therapy and hairdressing, and watch a number of showcase performances including music, fashion shows and cookery demonstrations.